Jer Thermoplastic Biocomposites Now Used in Game Pieces Manufactured by Rolco Inc.
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Vancouver, B.C., January 28, 2008 - JER Envirotech International Corp. (TSX Venture: JER; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: KFTB) is pleased to announce that specialty game piece manufacturer Rolco Inc. of Kasota, Minnesota, has recently launched a new line of board game pieces composed of JERtech(TM) thermoplastic biocomposite compounds - environmentally friendly materials that can contain up to 50% recycled wood byproduct.
"We are excited to be breaking new ground in our industry with game pieces that have a unique organic look and feel and are more environmentally friendly than the typical pieces on the market today," states Vern Olson, Rolco's founder and Director of Research and Development. "We had been testing wood-plastic composites for a number of years with limited success. Then, in 2006 we began exploring the use of JER's proprietary formulations and we were able to achieve excellent results."
"Rolco is highly competent with our JERtech(TM) materials," states Ed Trueman, JER's CEO. "In fact, they have done some in-depth R&D, particularly in the areas of coloring and multi-shot injection molding, which provide them with some truly outstanding product capabilities. We welcome Rolco to JER's growing list of accredited manufacturing partners."
Founded in 1980, Rolco Inc. ("Rolco") is a specialty injection molder operating 32 injection molding lines, including nine multi-shot machines, and is capable of producing complex and highly technical plastic parts. In addition to serving customers in the automotive, pharmaceutical and high technology industries, Rolco is one of the few US-based injection molders producing board game components, including pawns, houses, hotels, spinners and poker chips. It markets these items to board game designers, manufacturers and wholesalers worldwide through traditional channels as well as on its web site www.RolcoGames.com. In the United States alone, games and puzzles represent a $2.4 billion market, more than 10% of the $22.3 billion traditional toy market (2006)."
There are a number of benefits to using JER's thermoplastic biocomposites as an alternative to pure polymers. JERtech(TM) materials are more cost-effective than pure polymers while reducing Rolco's exposure to the dramatic price fluctuations in petroleum prices. They can also be molded using reduced temperatures, which can result in significant heat energy savings (up to 30%). In addition, JERtech(TM) materials are more environmentally friendly and offer unique product characteristics that can differentiate Rolco's products from its competitors. "The market response has been overwhelmingly positive," states Mr. Olson. "The board game industry is feeling pressure from consumers and retailers to be more green." Market research conducted on behalf of the Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) identified "eco-awareness" as one of five key challenges to be addressed by toy manufacturers selling into North America.
Not only does Rolco offer the industry an alternative to traditional materials, but this year they have a brand new pawn (affectionately named "Roly") that was designed specifically for JER's thermoplastic biocomposite material. Rolco will be introducing the entire product line to 20,000 industry professionals from 90 countries at the International Toy Fair, in New York City from February 17 to 20, 2008.
About JER Envirotech International Corporation
JER is a global manufacturer of thermoplastic biocomposite compounds and sheeting. The Company's patented technology utilizes waste or by-product materials, such as wood fibre or rice hulls, to produce environmentally-friendly alternative products for applications in a range of industries. The Company currently has a line of biocomposite formulations which it developed in collaboration with the National Research Council - Industrial Materials Institute of Canada.
JER currently has manufacturing operations in Canada, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Company is publicly-traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "JER" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "KFTB".
For more information, please visit www.jerenvirotech.com
Product photos available on request from hleary@shaw.ca.
Media Contact:
David Davies
Direct: 250.382.4332
ddavies@jerenvirotech.com
